LIVE: Norte Fire in San Clemente threatens homes, forces evacuations
ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. - Orange County firefighters are battling an aggressive, fast-moving wildfire that exploded across 465 acres in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, destroying multiple homes and forcing mandatory evacuations under fierce Santa Ana wind conditions.
Homes on Via La Mirada burning in Norte Fire
Orange County firefighters are battling a fast-moving brush fire in San Clemente, where wind and rugged terrain threaten homes and have forced immediate evacuations. O
What we know:
The brush fire broke out around noon near Portico Del Norte and Eminencia Del Norte in San Clemente.
Fueled by strong Santa Ana winds and local rugged terrain, the blaze rapidly expanded from 250 acres within its first hour to at least 465 acres by early afternoon.
Flames quickly spread into San Juan Capistrano, actively threatening structures off Via Entrada and striking residences along Avenida Calita, Via La Mirada, and Via De Agua, where video from the scene captured fire burning through roofs and leaving several structures gutted.
No immediate injuries have been reported.
Evacuation orders
Authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders for the following zones:
- SCL12
- SCL13
- SJC04
- SJC05
- SJC10
Evacuation shelters
- San Juan Capistrano Community Center, 25925 Camino del Avion, San Juan Capistrano
- San Clemente Community Center 100 Calle Seville, San Clemente
Additionally, the Capistrano Unified School District ordered early dismissals for Bernice Ayer, Clarence Lobo, Concordia, Harold Ambuehl, Palisades, San Clemente, San Juan Hills, Shorecliffs, Truman Benedict, and Vista Del Mar schools.
What we don't know:
The official cause of the fire is unknown.
Officials have not confirmed the exact total number of homes damaged or destroyed.
San Clemente homes engulfed in flames amid Norte Fire
Firefighters are aggressively battling a 250-acre brush fire near Portico Del Norte and Eminencia Del Norte in San Clemente.
What's next:
Firefighters will maintain ground and air operations to establish containment lines and protect structures off Via Entrada.
Emergency management teams will monitor wind conditions and provide updated information on evacuation boundaries and containment milestones as the situation develops.
Norte Fire: San Clemente under evacuation orders
Immediate evacuation orders are in place for San Juan Zones 4, 5, and 10 and San Clemente Zones 12 and 13 as wind and terrain drive flames toward structures off Via Entrada.
The Source: This report is based on information provided by the Orange County Fire Authority and Cal Fire.